Time for a little hopscotch through Ephesians…

Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:2).

Grace comes first.

Have you ever considered the causative relationship between the words grace and peace? The second depends upon the first.  It is only through God’s grace that we can have peace.

Think about it—apart from God’s grace, why should you have peace?  You are a hopeless, pathetic lump, destined for destruction—me too, for that matter.

Ahh, but you are not apart from God’s grace.  

Hear that–you are not apart from God’s grace.

If you belong to Him, you have his grace, sufficient to all your needs.  Your pathetic lumpiness has been forgiven, atoned for.

Embrace his grace, Beloved of the Father.  

Know his peace.

Happy Monday, Beloved.